Essex

As may be seen on my blog, I have a strong feeling for Essex. All my growing up was done there, and I was fortunate that, although I grew up in a time when there were many hard up people about, my life was spent in a comfortable and happy household. I came to love the fields and woods of my neighbourhood, and a lot of my childhood spare time was spent exploring. What I delight in doing these days is having a chance to return to some of those haunts. My overall favourites must be the Rivers Crouch and Blackwater and their environs. There is still a peace and tranquillity to be found walking beside these rivers, and the wide open spaces and the great skies fill me with delight.
A visit a few years ago to Bradwell and the old church Of St Peter's ad Murum( which I think means St Peter's on the wall), and the Roman fort of Othona was undertaken with some trepidation as I was so sure everything would be changed. We (Joe and I)had not been there for a long time. Would there be anything left of the former loveliness? We were both amazed as nothing had changed. The walk along the track towards the church and the Blackwater river was still the rough track it used to be. The lumps and bumps covered with bushes where the foundations of the old fort still lay were still visible, and the church still stood as it has for many centuries. It was built in the 6th century I believe, and was used as a farm barn for many years. Eventually it was reconsecrated in the 1920s. It is dedicated to Saint Cedd who converted the old East Saxons, after whom Essex is named, of course. Which reminds me that, as I live in Middlesex, I always include the name of the county in my address as a memory of the old Middle Saxons. I understand that Middlesex no longer officially exists.
That is quite enough waffling on so I shall now close. Goodbye for now to anyone who may possibly come across these thoughts.